THE ARTISTIC TYPE: A BLOG OF THEATER, ARTS AND CULTURE

For the third year, Cirque du Soleil and Orlando Ballet are collaborating to present a distinctive choreographic project featuring young emerging talent from both companies.

Under the direction of Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Robert Hill and "La Nouba" Artistic Director Daniel Ross, the two companies will present "A Choreographers' Showcase, a Project Designed to Stimulate and Encourage Artistic Growth" at the Cirque theater in Downtown Disney.

The one-night-only show is 7 p.m. Monday, March 4.

The performance promises to be a unique presentation, blending talent from both companies and departing from the traditional Cirque du Soleil and Orlando Ballet performances. It is intentionally designed to showcase raw creative expression from the dancers, performers and technicians; a display of creative ideas, rather than a finished production.

"A Choreographers' Showcase" is born out of Cirque du Soleil's commitment to the artistic community and support for artists and artistic institutions. The project began with the Nevada Ballet Theatre six years ago.

"As artists we are here to inspire," said Hill. "Partnering with Daniel and 'La Nouba' has allowed us to use that inspiration to touch our community. We hope to deliver an experience unlike anything the audience has seen before and share our inspiration."

"We have a commitment to keep the spirit of the art of dance and movement alive," Ross said. "By creating this platform for these dancers, we are able to stay true to that commitment."

Proceeds from the showcase presentation will benefit the Orlando Ballet and its S.T.E.P.S (Scholarship Training for the Enrichment of Primary Students) program, which aims to reach at-risk children through ballet and gives them an opportunity to learn about performance art. Targeted to children who may not normally have the chance to learn about dance and creative expression, including ballet, this program is designed as a positive after-school activity. The program is modeled after a similar award-winning program developed by New York's Dance Theatre of Harlem.